The second AP Top 25 poll for the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season has been released, showcasing shifts and standout performances from numerous teams. Purdue is back at the top after a victory against Alabama, while Houston has fallen to the No. 2 position.
Current Rankings and Key Insights
The top five teams in this week’s rankings are:
- 1. Purdue (4-0):
- Notable win against Alabama.
- Recorded their third road victory over a non-conference AP Top-10 team.
- Next game: Thursday vs. Memphis at 6 p.m. on CBSSN.
- 2. Houston (4-0):
- Win over Auburn marks their 16th against an AP-ranked opponent since joining the Big 12.
- Next game: Thursday vs. Rider at 9 p.m. on TNT/truTV.
- 3. UConn (4-0):
- Three players scored over 20 points against BYU.
- Next game: Wednesday vs. Arizona at 7 p.m. on FS1.
- 4. Arizona (4-0):
- Now 23-13 against AP-ranked opponents under coach Tommy Lloyd.
- Next game: Wednesday at UConn at 7 p.m. on FS1.
- 5. Duke (4-0):
- Cameron Boozer becomes the third Duke player to have 35 points and 10 rebounds in a game.
- Next game: Tuesday vs. Kansas at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
Teams on the Rise
- Louisville (6): Improved six spots in the rankings.
- Illinois (8): Also rose six spots.
- Gonzaga (13): Jumped six spots after an impressive showing.
Teams on the Decline
- Texas Tech (15): Dropped four spots.
- UCLA (19): Also fell four places.
New Entrants
This week, NC State has entered the Top 25 following the departure of Creighton, marking a notable achievement for the program.
Upcoming Matchups to Watch
Several key games are on the horizon for the ranked teams:
- Purdue faces Memphis in the Baha Mar Championship.
- UConn will play Arizona in a highly anticipated matchup.
- Duke goes up against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
Statistical Highlights
- Purdue’s victory against Alabama was significant as it was their first road win against a non-conference Top-10 team since 1982.
- UConn’s Alex Karaban tied Emeka Okafor, both holding 1,426 career points.
- Jackson State’s Morris Redd averages 103.0 Points Per Game, the highest four-game scoring span for Louisville since 1971.
As the season progresses, fans can expect exciting basketball ahead as teams vie for higher rankings in the AP Top 25. Keep an eye on El-Balad for the latest developments.
